Hot spot: The Duck’s cuisine soars

With the overabundance of bar food and swimsuit acceptable dress codes, it can sometimes feel like the lake area is lacking something of more dignified nature. The Duck fills that void. Its relaxed yet elegant environment gives customers an opportunity for a nice meal out and a break from the crowded bar scene.

With the overabundance of bar food and swimsuit acceptable dress codes, it can sometimes feel like the lake area is lacking something of more dignified nature. The Duck fills that void. Its relaxed yet elegant environment gives customers an opportunity for a nice meal out and a break from the crowded bar scene.

This fine dining restaurant has indoor and patio seating, all with beautiful sunset views of the main channel. Every table comes adorned with a classic white tablecloth and candles, creating a personal vibe perfect for a date night or entertaining guests. Bar seating is available for the solitary visitors as well as a comfortable waiting area for those who didn’t think to make a reservation at this in-demand spot.

On the Menu

On the appetizer menu, the calamari and four cheese mushrooms are excellent choices. However, the Duck favorite of the smoked trout shouldn’t be overlooked either.

The entreé options offer a variety of choices from the land and sea. Notably, the seafood ravioli in rosa vodka sauce is a popular pick. The homemade pasta comes stuffed with shrimp, lobster, scallops and cheeses, all covered in a vodka and crème sauce with pine nuts and fresh tomatoes.

For the meat lover, options include a rack of lamb, a bone-in ribye and the famously delicious pork chop, drizzled with maple syrup, black pepper and bacon chutney. And to stay true to its namesake, the restaurant has a duck breast entreé, seared for crispy skin and topped with a gastrique of cherries, port and balsamic vinegar.

At the bar, specialty drinks include lemon drop and blood-orange martinis. Classic drinks such as cosmopolitans and manhattans are also popular among the clientele.

Insider Information

The Duck has received awards from both the Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiasts magazines for their amazing selection of 180 wines — a feat no other restaurant at the lake has achieved. Owners Donna Ziegler and Mark Hooker work closely with several wine purveyors and the chef to find the optimal wine selections to pair with the menu. Customers can even taste from the assortment at one of the Duck’s Wine Tasting special events, which are generally held during the off-season of October through December.

The Duck is also open to hosting private parties upon discussion with the owners. Previous groups have held events on the covered outdoor patio and others have used the entire restaurant.

What’s Cool About it

Every week the Duck sends out an email newsletter to it’s regular customers with information about that week’s feature entreés and cocktails and other happenings at the lake.

Page 2 of 2 - The owners and staff give back to the community through donating their services at events such as the Citizens Against Domestic Violence Brunch and the March of Dimes Signature Chef Auction. They also raise funds through their Wine Dinners to donate to these causes.

For more information, visit theduckrestaurant.com online or call 573-365-9973 to make a reservation.